•   Know your triggers. If you don’t know what triggers your allergies, visit an allergist to find out. More than two-thirds of spring allergy sufferers actually have year-round symptoms.
•   Work with your allergist to devise strategies to avoid your triggers, such as:
–   Monitor pollen and mold counts – most media report this information during allergy seasons.
–   Keep windows and doors shut at home and in your car during allergy season.
–   Stay inside during mid-day and afternoon hours when pollen counts are highest.
–   Take a shower, wash hair and change clothing after working or playing outdoors.
–   Wear a pollen mask (such as a NIOSH rated 95 filter mask) when doing outdoor chores like mowing the lawn. An allergist can help you find the type of mask that works best.

There’s no reason to suffer during spring allergy season. An allergist can work with you to discuss treatment options. The most effective way to treat spring allergies is with allergy shots, also called immunotherapy. These shots slowly introduce a little bit of what causes your allergy, so your body learns to tolerate it rather than react with sneezing, a stuffy nose or itchy eyes.